Breast Pathology Flashcards
List steps to general breast assessment
- ask about changes in breast size in pregnancy (reassuring)
- assess for extreme difference in sizes
- nipple assessment (normal/inverted)
- prior breast surgery (augmentation often fine, reduction often impacts supply, mastectomy)
- inspection and palpation of all four quadrants both seated and lying down
- document based on the “clock”
How to treat nipple pain
Assess latch/pumping and resolve issue
treat with moist wound care management
Other causes of persistent nipple pain
nipple damage and trauma, dermatologic conditions (eczema), infections, vasospasm, pain syndromes, breast drainage issues (plugged ducts and oversupply)
Can a person with HSV breastfeed?
Yes. They will likely be prescribed acyclovir or valacyclovir, both compatible with breastfeeding. If active lesions on the breast cease breastfeeding on that side, pump and discard milk from that side until resolved.
If a mother has chicken pox at the time of delivery can she breastfeed?
No. Separate mother and infant until infant is vaccinated and lesions are crusted approx 7-10 days.
If a mother has shingles can she breastfeed?
if the outbreak is remote from the breast, yes. cover the lesions, judicious hand hygiene should prevent transmisision
What is allodynia?
A condition in which pain sensitization follows normally nonpainful and often repetitive stimuli. Even light tough is perceived as pain.
what is engorgement caused by?
increased vascular flow, tissue edema, and the onset of copious milk production (lactogenesis II)
Does mastitis always need treatment with antibiotics?
No. If caught early, it can be managed with ice therapy and acetaminophen/ibuprofen. Never massage engorged breasts, avoid pumping to relieve engorgement
Is redness and pain with engorgement caused by infection?
No. It is caused by congested lymphatics and capillaries.
Sunflower lecithin 5-10g daily can be helpful for?
Can reduce ductal inflammation, helpful for plugged ducts and bleb formation
Where do candida infections of the breast occur most often?
in folds under breast or armpits of larger women
What are the most common organisms that cause mastitis
Staph aureus, Strep a and b, e coli
Most common organism that causes breast abcess
Staph aureus
A breast mass during lactation that doesn’t resolve in ______ should be referred for furthur investigation
72 hours
